The Irish solicitor Michael Lynn has been arrested in Brazil. It is understood that the 43-year-old was arrested by federal police in the province of Pernambuco.

Mr. Lynn left Ireland over 5 years ago allegedly leaving debts of over €80 million.

Lynn was granted official residency in Brazil in June 2012 because of the birth of his son.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said no formal extradition treaty exists with Brazil but that it has set up an agreement to allow extraditions on a reciprocal basis.

The Irish Independent says he is expected to appear before a Brazilian court later, where he faces the prospect of being remanded in custody in a Brazilian jail.

Gardai secured an international arrest warrant last year when the Director of Public Prosecutions gave the go-ahead for criminal charges.